On Tuesday an appeal by the Queen to her ex-soldiers
to rejoin the colours in regiments to be called Royal Reserve Battalions was published in all the newspapers. As far as it goes that is excellent (though we should have preferred a direct appeal, and not a letter from Sir Arthur Bigge to Lord Wolseley conveying the Queen's ideas), but it isa great pity that the Queen, while asking for a definite and large number of men to rejoin the colours, did not ask also for another body of men who should register themselves as willing to turn out in case of actual invasion. Again, no attempt is made to organise local enlistment committees. The response has already been very good, but there has been, we are sorry to say, an air of unreality and want of vigour about the - whole proceeding. However, it is better than nothing. Meantime we note with satisfaction that a good deal is being done to increase our strength at sea.
